Sindh govt trying to overcome water crisis in Karachi

KARACHI: Sindh Minister for Information and Local Government Sharjeel Inam Memon has said the provincial government was taking measures to overcome the water crisis in Karachi, as it has expedited campaign against illegal hydrants and unauthorized connections.He urged the K-electric to exempt from load shedding Dhabeji and all the other water pumping stations in the city to help improve water supply situation.Addressing a press conference after presiding over a meeting of the officers of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) during his visit to the central office of the board he said the KWSB ws facing financial problems due to over 40 percent shortfall in recovery of bills from consumers.He was briefed about water distribution system, availability of machinery and generators at pumping stations, legal and illegal hydrants and the menace of unauthorised connections.He said there was an acute scarcity of water in the metropolis, as the city was receiving only 400 million gallon water against it requirement of 1,000 million gallons water.He said non-availability of water in Hub Dam has resulted in 100 million gallons water shortage.Attributed 15 percent water scarcity to theft, he said a campaign was under way against illegal hydrants to curb this practice. Another major reason for water shortage was the power load shedding by the K-electric at Dhabeji Pumping Station, he added.He said 2 hours load shedding put the water supply 20 hours behind its schedule and thus worsens the situation.The minister directed the KWSB authorities to ensure legal hydrants follow their timings and those which run overtime should be declared illegal and sealed. He called for the installation of water meters at hydrants to ensure adequate billing.Sharjeel Memon ordered a crackdown against unauthorised mineral water companies and those involved in water theft. He appealed to the people to report to the KWSB and area police if they find any such companies operating in their neighborhood. About K-IV project, he said an approval in this regard would be received soon, adding Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah has requested the federal government to convene a meeting to deliberate on this scheme at the earliest.